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Reference values for pulse oximetry at high altitude
M J Gamponia1, H Babaali, F Yugar
1University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Department of Family Medicine, Iowa City 52242, USA.
Insights
This study establishes normal oxygen saturation (Sao2) reference values for healthy children under 5 living at high altitude, aiding in diagnosing respiratory infections. Younger children showed lower Sao2, indicating physiological adaptation to altitude.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- High-Altitude Physiology
- Respiratory Health
Background:
- Accurate reference values for oxygen saturation (Sao2) are crucial for diagnosing acute respiratory infections in children.
- High-altitude environments present unique physiological challenges impacting oxygenation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish reference oxygen saturation (Sao2) values for healthy children under 5 years old residing at high altitude (4018 m).
- To provide data supporting the use of pulse oximetry as a diagnostic tool for acute respiratory infections in this population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 168 healthy children younger than 5 years living at high altitude.
- Oxygen saturation (Sao2) was measured using pulse oximetry during routine well-child visits.
- Physiological state (e.g., sleeping vs. awake) was recorded during measurements.
Main Results:
- The mean Sao2 for healthy children under 5 at high altitude was 87.3% (95% CI: 86.7%-87.9%).
- A significant difference in Sao2 was noted between children younger than 1 year and older children, which diminished when excluding sleeping subjects.
- Sleep was associated with a decrease in Sao2.
Conclusions:
- The study provides essential reference ranges for Sao2 in high-altitude dwelling children, enhancing diagnostic capabilities for respiratory illnesses.
- Lower Sao2 in younger children suggests physiological acclimatization to high altitude over time.
- The impact of sleep on Sao2 requires further investigation for clinical significance.
Objective:
To determine reference values for oxygen saturation (Sao2) in healthy children younger than 5 years living at high altitude.
Design:
One hundred and sixty eight children were examined for Sao2 at 4018 m during well child visits. Physiological state was also noted during the examination.
Results:
The mean Sao2 was 87.3% (95% confidence intervals (CI) 86.7%, 87.9%) with a median value of 87.7%. A significant difference was observed in Sao2 between children younger than 1 year compared with older children, although the difference was no longer demonstrable when sleeping children were excluded.
Conclusions:
This study has provided a reference range of Sao2 values for healthy children under 5 years old so that pulse oximetry may be used as an adjunct in diagnosing acute respiratory infections. Younger children were also shown to have a lower mean Sao2 than older children living at high altitude, which suggests physiological adaptation to high altitude over time. In addition, sleep had a lowering effect on Sao2, although the clinical importance of this remains undetermined.